Aggregator

Samoa - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

2 days 7 hours ago

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Samoa.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Samoa.

If you decide to travel to Samoa:

South Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel

4 days 7 hours ago

Updated to reflect ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to continued security threats in South Sudan.

Do not travel to South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

Country Summary: Due to the risks in the country, on March 08, 2025, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees from South Sudan.

Armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups. Weapons are readily available to the population. In addition, cattle raids occur throughout the country and often lead to violence.

Violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are common throughout South Sudan, including Juba. Foreign nationals have been the victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent crimes.

Reporting in South Sudan without the proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is considered illegal, and any journalistic work there is very dangerous. Journalists regularly report being harassed in South Sudan, and many have been killed while covering the conflict.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan. U.S. government personnel working in South Sudan are under a strict curfew. They must use armored vehicles for nearly all movements, and official travel outside Juba is limited. Due to the critical crime threat in Juba, walking is also restricted; when allowed, it is limited to a small area in the immediate vicinity of the Embassy and during daylight hours only. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of South Sudan. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to South Sudan.

If you decide to travel to South Sudan:

  • Exercise extreme care in all parts of the country, including Juba. Travel outside of Juba with a minimum of two vehicles along with appropriate recovery and medical equipment in case of mechanical failure or other emergency.
  • Avoid travel along border areas.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Be aware that photography in public is strictly controlled, and you are required to obtain authorization from the Ministry of Information before taking any photographs or video in public – including while inside a vehicle.
  • Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Review your personal security plan and visit our page on travel to high risk areas.
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization. Your plan should include sheltering in place, maintaining outside communication, and a personal evacuation plan via commercial means.
  • Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business). This is so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
  • Choose one family member to serve as the point of contact. They will communicate with kidnappers/hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress if you are kidnapped or taken hostage.
  • Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. This is so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones can know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
  • Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups.
  • Leave your expensive/sentimental belongings behind.
  • Review the Country Security Report for South Sudan.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Equatorial Guinea - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

5 days 7 hours ago

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in Equatorial Guinea due to crime and health.

Country Summary: Robbery remains a concern throughout Equatorial Guinea. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to more serious crimes. Police and military checkpoints are common and can restrict movement. Borders may close without notice. Always travel with your passport and valid visa.

Health: Medical services in Equatorial Guinea are limited:

  • There are no adequate trauma services.
  • Ambulance services are not available.
  • Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense.
  • We strongly recommend medical evacuation insurance for travel to Equatorial Guinea.
  • Travel safety: Avoid traveling off-road, in isolated areas, or in places with known dangers like mudslides, flooding, or severe weather.
  • Because of limited phone coverage, rough terrain, and the risk of vehicle breakdowns, U.S. citizens should travel in a group of at least two vehicles when going to remote areas.
  • Read the Country Information Page for additional information on travel to Equatorial Guinea.
  • If you decide to travel to Equatorial Guinea:
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Stay alert in tourist spots and when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
  • Bring enough over the counter and prescription medicines.
  • Malaria, a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, is common throughout Equatorial Guinea. Even short-term travelers are strongly recommended to take malaria prophylactic medication and use topical insect repellants.
  • Get comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

5 days 7 hours ago

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to: 

  • Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, which include the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism.
  • The immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

Country Summary: Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan.  Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP), which include the former FATA.  Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent.  Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police targets.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities.  Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past. 

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit.  Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces.  U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials.  Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.  

Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid, sometimes changing with little or no notice.  There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.

The government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan.  The U.S. government has limited ability to provide services to U.S. citizens in the KP Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.  Due to the risks, U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.  

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates require U.S. government personnel to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel.  Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions.  U.S. government personnel on assignment in Pakistan are prohibited from attending most large gatherings.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained. Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar does not provide consular services.  Services for U.S. citizens are available from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, and the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Pakistan. 

If you decide to travel to Pakistan:      

  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 
  • Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Vary your travel routes and timing. 
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, police installations, places of worship, and government and military institutions.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Get comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. Visit the CDC Travelers Health Page.
  • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones.  This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.  Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip.
  • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization.  List how and when you'll confirm you're safe (text or call).  Specify how often you will do this.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
  • Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. 

Balochistan Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to Balochistan Province for any reason.  Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)-Province, including the former FATA – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which includes the former FATA, for any reason.  Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces.  These groups historically have targeted both government officials and civilians.  Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  

Vicinity of Line of Control – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including areas along the Line of Control for any reason.  Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on their respective sides of the border.  The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the Province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India.  Travelers are advised to confirm the status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel.  An Indian visa is required to enter India, and no visa services are available at the border.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  

Djibouti - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

6 days 7 hours ago

Updated to remove Crime indicator and to include area-specific Level 3 advisory for the border with Eritrea.

Exercise increased caution in Djibouti due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

  • Areas bordering Eritrea due to border tensions

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Terrorists target public areas including:

  • Tourist locations
  • Transportation centers (airports)
  • Government buildings
  • Markets and shopping malls
  • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
  • Places of worship and schools
  • Parks and public areas
  • Major sporting and cultural events
  • Hospitals

Read the Country Information Page for more information on travel to Djibouti.

If you decide to travel to Djibouti:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the U.S. Embassy. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Djibouti.
  • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Border with Eritrea - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

U.S. citizens should reconsider travel within 10 miles of the border with Eritrea in the Tadjoura and Obock regions due to government of Djibouti restrictions.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the region. U.S. government employees are prohibited from travelling after dark anywhere within 10 miles of the Eritrean border region.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

College of Business professor conducts research project on technological ecosystems in Finland as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar

6 days 16 hours ago

As high-level technologies continue to evolve, considering how companies interact and perform with evolving high-level technologies remains a question to […]

The post College of Business professor conducts research project on technological ecosystems in Finland as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar appeared first on Florida State University News.

Kelsey Klopfenstein

Singapore - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

1 week ago

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Singapore.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Singapore.

If you decide to travel to Singapore:

Turks and Caicos Islands - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

1 week 1 day ago

Updated to reflect information on traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime

Country Summary: Most crime occurs in Providenciales. Police may have limited investigatory resources. U.S. Embassy Nassau, located in The Bahamas, provides consular services (including assistance to victims of crime) for U.S. citizens in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Firearms and ammunition, including single bullets brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage, are illegal. Police strictly enforce these laws, even at the airport when travelers are leaving. Travelers face arrest, jail time, and heavy fines. Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage. Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison. Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

If you decide to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands:

  • Check your luggage and hand baggage carefully for bullets or firearms before leaving the United States. Do not bring these items to the Turks and Caicos Islands. 
  • Avoid walking alone and at night.
  • Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Syria - Level 4: Do Not Travel

1 week 2 days ago

Updated to reflect the risk of unjust detention and updates to the Syrian conflict.

Do not travel to Syria due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, armed conflict, and unjust detention.  

Country Summary: The U.S. government suspended operations in 2012.  The Czech Republic serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria.  The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria.  Do not travel to Syria for any reason.

On December 8, 2024, the Assad regime fell, and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) assumed control over much of Syria.  Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011.  No part of Syria is safe from violence.  Hostage taking by armed groups, unjust detentions, the use of chemical warfare, shelling, mine fields, and aerial bombardment of civilian centers pose significant risk of death or serious injury.  The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships inside the country.  The interim entities in Syria currently cannot provide even the most routine public services.

The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict.  The U.S. government does not support this activity.  U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including hostage taking by armed groups, unjust detentions, injury, or death.  

Terrorist groups are active in Syria.  Parts of Syria have experienced recent increases in incidents of bombings, IEDs, and assassinations.  Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliates, can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism or a foreign terrorist organization, which is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines.  The United States continues to designate Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist group.

There is an ongoing risk of hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals throughout the country.  U.S. citizens continue to be targets of abduction and unjust detention by interim entities and other armed groups.  Those in detention may not have access to fair judicial process or medical attention.  Former Assad regime detention centers were known to be unsanitary facilities where widespread cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment of detainees had been documented, as well as torture and extrajudicial killings.  Detention center conditions under interim entities are unclear but could be harsh and unsanitary.  Only Syrian diplomatic missions abroad can issue a valid entry visa to Syria.  Failure to obtain a legitimate entry visa directly from the Syrian diplomatic missions could result in detention.

Due to risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Syria, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Syria.

If you decide to travel to Syria:

  • Visit our website on Travel to High Risk Areas.
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs.  Foreign travelers may face increased risk of detention and harassment.
  • Establish a proof of life protocol with your family, so that if you are taken hostage, your family knows specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive and to rule out a hoax.
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones.  This is so they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.  Review thoroughly this list of documents to prepare for your trip.
  • Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.
  • Enroll your trip in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Portugal - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

1 week 2 days ago

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Portugal.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Portugal.  

If you decide to travel to Portugal:  

Turkmenistan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

1 week 5 days ago

Reissued after periodic review with no changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Turkmenistan.

Please read the country information page for additional information on travel to Turkmenistan.

If you decide to travel to Turkmenistan:

Yemen - Level 4: Do Not Travel

2 weeks ago

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits related to terrorism and security.

Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.

Country Summary: The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Yemen. U.S. citizens should not travel to Yemen for any reason.

The Department of State has designated Ansarallah (commonly referred to as the Houthis) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. Other terrorist groups, like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates, also plan and carry out attacks in Yemen. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting public sites, transportation hubs, markets, as well as government buildings and facilities. There is also a risk of kidnapping/detention by terrorists, criminals, and other groups or individuals. Foreign workers and employees may be targeted.

A civil war continues in Yemen. Even though violence has decreased since a truce in April 2022, instability and fighting are still common, especially along the front lines in central Yemen. Travelers should not rely on significant assistance from local authorities. Foreigners are frequently targets of kidnapping and carjacking, especially outside of urban areas.

Military conflict has destroyed basic infrastructure like housing, medical facilities, schools, and utilities. This makes it hard to get electricity, clean water, and medical care. Humanitarian groups face obstacles in delivering food, medicine, and water. Landmines are found throughout Yemen.

Violent and organized crime is common in Yemen. Local law enforcement may not be able or willing to respond to serious crimes.

Health services in Yemen are poor. There is a re-emergence of diseases like cholera, polio, and measles, which are spreading, especially in Houthi-controlled areas. Medicine and medical supplies are hard to find. Adequate medical treatment is often not available.

U.S. citizens, especially dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens, are at high risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen. U.S. citizens, particularly young people, may be kidnapped for forced marriage. These often involve family members in the United States and/or Yemen. The Houthis, who control Sana’a, have detained U.S. citizens, including those with dual citizenship. U.S. citizens, have faced difficulty and delays when trying to leave Yemen.

Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra. They offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid "visas." These companies put tourists in danger and legal jeopardy. Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas. The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Socotra. Do not travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen.

Limited commercial flights are available from Aden and Sana’a to other airports in the region. Check with airlines and travel companies for the latest flight information.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI).

The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Yemen’s ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Yemen. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Yemen.

If, despite this Travel Advisory, you decide to travel to Yemen:

  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Make contingency plans to leave the country without U.S. government assistance.
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Make a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs, if you will be unable to return as planned to the United States.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and X/Twitter
  • Review the Country Security Report for Yemen.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Level 1 - Global Dengue

2 weeks ago
Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Country List : Burkina Faso, Colombia, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Sudan, Cuba, French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora-Bora), Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka), and Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu), Iran, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Pakistan, Guadeloupe, Brazil, Nicaragua, Senegal

Rwanda - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

2 weeks ago

Updated to remove Marburg Virus Disease language and health indicator due to end of outbreak, and to increase the Burundi and DRC border areas to Level 4-Do Not Travel.

Exercise increased caution in Rwanda due to the potential for armed violence. Some areas are Level 4- Do Not Travel due to a significant risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Level 4 Do Not Travel to:

  • The Rwanda-Burundi border due to armed violence.
  • The Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to armed violence.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Rwanda.

Country Summary: Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other in neighboring countries. The ongoing violence in these areas increases the likelihood for spill over into Rwanda.

If you decide to travel to Rwanda:

Rwanda-Burundi Border — Level 4: Do Not Travel
The Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda borders Burundi. Borders may not be clearly marked. A permit from the Rwanda Development Board is required for entry to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Relations between Burundi and Rwanda remain tense, with reported incidents of cross-border incursions and armed violence.

Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Armed groups operate in the DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces and Virunga Park, which is next to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The area has seen rising armed conflict that could spill across poorly marked borders. A permit from the Rwanda Development Board is required for entry to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.